How to Care for Pet Fish: A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction
Starting an aquarium brings tranquility and beauty to your home, but improper care risks fish health. This guide simplifies freshwater fishkeeping with science-backed methods, avoiding common beginner pitfalls.

1. Choosing Your Aquarium

Tank Size: Opt for 20+ gallons; smaller tanks amplify toxin buildup. Example: A 20-gallon tank supports 6 small fish (e.g., guppies).
Location: Place away from direct sunlight/windows to prevent algae blooms and temperature swings. Stable environments reduce stress.
Equipment Essentials:
- Filter: Canister or hang-on-back (e.g., Fluval C2) for 5x hourly water turnover.
- Heater: Adjustable 50W heater for tropical species (75–80°F).
- Substrate: Rinse gravel/sand thoroughly before adding.

2. The Nitrogen Cycle: Non-Negotiable Setup
Before adding fish:

Add dechlorinated water and ammonia source (e.g., fish food).
Test water daily with API Master Kit. Target levels:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: <20 ppm
Cycle takes 4–6 weeks. Speed up with bacterial starters like Seachem Stability.

3. Selecting Beginner-Friendly Fish

Species	Tank Size	Water Parameters	Temperament
Betta	5+ gal	78–80°F, pH 7.0	Solitary
Neon Tetra	10+ gal	72–78°F, pH 6.5	Schooling
Corydoras Cat	20+ gal	72–78°F, pH 7.0	Peaceful

4. Feeding & Nutrition

Frequency: Twice daily, portions eaten in 2 minutes.
Diet Variety:
- Flakes/pellets (e.g., Hikari Micro Pellets)
- Weekly supplements: Frozen brine shrimp/bloodworms.
Avoid overfeeding: Excess food decays into ammonia.

5. Maintenance Routine

Weekly:
- Test water parameters.
- Scrape algae with magnetic cleaner.
Biweekly:
- Replace 25% water using a gravel vacuum.
- Rinse filter media in tank water (never tap).
Monthly: Trim live plants; check equipment.

6. Health Monitoring
Common issues and solutions:

Ich (White Spots): Quarantine fish; raise temp to 86°F + medication.
Fin Rot: Improve water quality; use antibacterial treatment.
Prevention: Quarantine new fish for 2 weeks.

Conclusion
Patience transforms beginners into successful aquarists. Consistent care prevents 90% of fish diseases. Start small, document water tests, and expand gradually. Your thriving aquatic ecosystem awaits!

Sources: Data synthesized from Aquarium Science journal and veterinary guidelines (AAV). Practical steps verified via aquarist community trials.